The Zobel De Ayala Family Receives the Sorolla Medal for Supporting Filipino Arts and Culture

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chair of the Ayala Foundation, and the Zobel de Ayala family received the prized Sorolla Medal earlier this month in New York City from the Hispanic Society of America. Image source: Ayala Foundation

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the Zobel de Ayala family. We look forward to a continuous collaboration with the Hispanic community in areas of common interest, particularly those that can advance a deeper appreciation and understanding between our cultures and people," Zobel stated during his acceptance speech.

The Ayala Foundation honored Zobel for his advocacy in the realm of art and culture. Zobel also serves on the board of advisers of the Ayala Museum, one of the Philippines' foremost private institutions of art and history. The Ayala Museum is one of the Ayala Foundation's activities fostering patriotism.

The Sorolla Medal is awarded to renowned persons and institutions for their services to philanthropy, art, literature, and culture.

Other recipients of the 2023 Sorolla Medal included Dr. Carlos Zurita, Duke of Soria and co-founder of the Duke and Duchess of Soria Cultural Foundation; and Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, a Cuban-born philanthropist and art collector.

The Sorolla Medal, first awarded in 1924, honors the Spanish painter Joaqun Sorolla, who was famous for his landscape and historical paintings. In 1904, the Hispanic Society of America was created with the goal of establishing "a free, public museum and reference library for the study of the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines."

​The Ayala Foundation, founded in 1961, helps communities across the country and abroad via programs in education, sustainable livelihoods, and patriotism.